Saddle Up For The Dude Ranch of Your Dreams

Many “family” vacations are actually “kid vacations” – not to say you don’t enjoy Legoland or a Disney Cruise, but you enjoy it because the kids are happy, not because you like being on a boat with a big mouse. So when we found the family vacation where the whole family can participate in and adore every single activity, we were thrilled. Meet your family vacation for the next dozen years or so – The Alisal Guest Ranch. Click through our flipbook to see why it’s our pick for family vacation of the year.

Be Serenaded By a Singing Cowboy

Your little rider wants to get on a horse, so start there! (Tip: Make sure you book your rides or lessons the night before, as they can fill up.) You have to start with the Breakfast Ride to the Old Adobe – kids 7 and up can choose the easy hour or so horseback ride, younger kids and first time riders may want to hop into the haywagon. Either way, you wind through some gorgeous country, past the lake, and end up in front of a roaring camp fire under the giant Sycamore trees, where a singing cowboy serenades you as you tuck into the best buttermilk pancakes you’ve ever had.

You can also choose to take part in an afternoon ride or riding lessons for kids (or adults!).